MONTPELIER – The Vermont Journalism Coalition, a new advocacy organization advancing the interests of local news outlets, gathered in the Cedar Creek Room Wednesday, celebrating the winners of the Vermont Community Foundation’s local civic journalism awards. The award was administered by the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office. Sixteen news organizations[Read More…]
Ethan Weinstein, VTDigger
Former state rep Morley appointed to Senate seat
ORLEANS – John Morley, a longtime village of Orleans employee and former state representative, will fill Orleans County’s vacant seat in the Vermont Senate. Gov. Phil Scott announced his appointment in a press release on Friday. Morley replaces Sam Douglass, who resigned in scandal this fall when his involvement in a national Young[Read More…]
Douglass Senate seat in limbo
MONTPELIER – Sen. Sam Douglass, R-Orleans, said last week he would resign effective noon on Monday after comments he and his wife made in a Young Republicans group chat rife with hateful messages leaked, making national headlines. However, as of 3 p.m. on Monday, the office of Gov. Phil Scott had not[Read More…]
State’s Attorney Zaleski to Step Down
ST. JOHNSBURY – Caledonia County State’s Attorney Jessica Zaleski plans to resign as the county’s top prosecutor on July 25. The Caledonian Record first reported the decision last week. In an interview, Zaleski said the choice was sparked by a desire to move closer to her parents in North Dakota. She’s[Read More…]
Lawmakers Further Apart on Details of Ed Bill
MONTPELIER – You couldn’t walk 10 steps under the golden dome Friday without someone asking if we were getting out of here today. Legislative lawyers are under-rested and over-extended. Lawmakers have skipped too many meals. And everyone has a pet theory: so-and-so wants a delay, someone has a secret proposal[Read More…]
Saunders Walks Back Compliance Request with Federal Anti-DEI Directive
MONTPELIER – Education Secretary Zoie Saunders had sent a letter Friday requesting school district leaders to respond within 10 days. Federal guidance argues schools have used diversity programs, “social-emotional” learning and “culturally responsive” teaching to discriminate against students. Following a federal directive that schools ban “illegal” diversity, equity and inclusion-related[Read More…]
Legislature’s Fiscal Experts had Mixed News
MONTPELIER – Lawmakers gathered last Wednesday for an annual legislative briefing, a refresher on the state’s revenues and budget with a focus on two of the most pressing topics of the day: education finance and housing. “What I would ask you is this: What is your prize for having won?”[Read More…]
Beck Proposes Education Foundation Formula Funding
NORTHEAST KINGDOM – Vermonters cited affordability as a top priority in the 2024 election, and last week, they voted to send more Republicans to Montpelier than in recent decades. Driving affordability concerns is the cost of education, which fueled this year’s average education property tax increase of 13.8%. The election results, which saw a[Read More…]
Will Republican Control of Narrative on Property Taxes Flip Legislative Seats
VERMONT – On the campaign trail, state legislative candidates say affordability dominates conversations with constituents. Property taxes, and with them, the cost of education, are fueling some of the most fiery rhetoric. This year, education property taxes rose an average of 13.8% statewide, driven by school spending approved by district[Read More…]
Greensboro Man Acquitted of Murder
NEWPORT – An Orleans County man successfully argued self-defense this week, three years after he shot and killed a man outside his Greensboro home. Darryl Johnson faced second-degree murder and manslaughter charges in the shooting death of Robert Chaplin. A jury found him not guilty on both charges on Thursday.[Read More…]
Marshfield Erupts After Event Advertised for MAP
MARSHFIELD – A since-deleted website advertising a three-night event for “minor-attracted persons” has ignited fury and fear in Marshfield and Plainfield, though local leaders say there’s no evidence such a gathering is going to take place in those communities. The outrage boiled over at Tuesday night’s Marshfield Select Board meeting,[Read More…]
Teacher Charged with Disorderly Conduct
PLAINFIELD – A Twinfield teacher was charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly drawing on a student’s throat. Kathleen Wheelock allegedly did so after the student used a permanent marker on a whiteboard, according to Vermont State Police. The incident occurred Sept. 5, according to a state police press release, although[Read More…]
